Intentionally disturbing worship service now a crime in Mo., other laws signed

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Under a new Missouri law, it is a misdemeanor to intentionally disrupt a house of worship.

(via Flickr/kat93117)

Gov. Jay Nixon has signed into law more than two dozen bills covering a variety of topics, including disturbances of worship services, workers' compensation and child care providers.

The governor's office announced the bill signings Tuesday. One measure makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally disrupt or interrupt a worship service with profanity, noise or indecent behavior. Violators could face fines of up to $500 and six months in jail.

The workers' compensation measure bars employees from suing each other for accidental on-the-job injuries. Lawsuits still could go for forward when someone purposefully and dangerously injures a co-worker.

Under the daycare bill, judges could prohibit defendants in cases of abuse, neglect or the death of a child from providing child care services for pay until the case is resolved.

The measure would make it a misdemeanor to use, “profane discourse, rude or indecent behavior,” or make loud disruptive noises within or just outside a public or private building where a worship service is being held. It was sponsored by Senate President Pro-tem Rob Mayer (R, Dexter).

“It’s important for citizens here in Missouri to have their First Amendment rights protected," Mayer said. "There (have) been instances across the country where there have been actual disturbances in churches and synagogues.”